Michelle Obama to speak on gun violence, which could mean a more activist role

Source: Washington Post

When she returns home here Wednesday to deliver a speech on gun violence, first lady Michelle Obama will be making a rare foray into the politics of the day that could presage a more activist role during her husbandís second term.

Obama is taking what aides described as an intentional step outside her narrow focus on military families and childhood nutrition to confront the dark reality of young people being gunned down on the streets of Americaís cities. The remarks come amid a contentious debate on Capitol Hill over stricter gun laws advocated by President Obama.

White House officials say that the first lady will speak from the perspective of a mother, not as a gun-control booster. And unlike the president, aides said, she will not call on Congress to do anything.

But by speaking out now, Michelle Obama risks being seen as leveraging her widespread popularity to advance her husbandís legislative agenda. That would be an unusual move for any first lady, but particularly so for Obama, who has appeared careful to preserve her broad, nonpartisan appeal.